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The art of camping is one family adventure that has definitely grown on me over the years. I didn’t grow up in a camping family, but I always envied the fun that my childhood friends would have on camping trips. I always knew that camping was something I wanted my kids to experience, but wasn’t quite sure where to start. When my camping journey began (being that I was a novice camper), the reasonable way to begin this new adventure was to hook up with a rented RV and go from there. Taking the first step was by far the hardest part and camping surely has been a learn as you go experience. Mistakes were made (yes, even nasty dump tank mistakes), as well as many more successes. I experienced a few tears, all while creating some great memories.

Camping actually was the “perfect” vacation for my family when the kiddos were young. It beat airplane rides, rental cars, and dining out. At that early stage in my journey of parenting, the thought of dragging 4 small kids (and all their crap) through TSA and on layovers, all while ignoring sleep schedules and lugging car seats, diapers, and sippy cups was totally unbearable. Camping made it possible to explore our surrounding states and sights, all while still getting away from the routine of being at home. We camped often and saw so many amazing places. But, as every parent knows you must change as your family grows and all good things do come to an end (kind of).

As soon as my family grew out of naps and booster seats and those little bodies grew bigger, camping was not quite the same. My true passion to start seeing the world was finally possible and quickly overruled any camping desire. I put my rustic outdoorsy side on the back burner and abandoned most of our camping excursions. Believe it or not, it was kind of sad (okay, not that sad). There is something about being able to fill your kids full of junk food, get as dirty as they want, and run around like hooligans outside all weekend. I love the feeling of setting up “camp”, the late night adult campfire discussions about politics, and playing cards. So, in keeping up the tradition, my family now spends one weekend a summer filling my kids with the best food of Walmart and zero showering (for the boys at least).

Each summer we spend a weekend with a growing group of fabulous families at Palisade Sate Park in Central Utah. This place is just too perfect of a campground and way to much fun to quit visiting. The location is great for friends and family coming from several different states and it is absolutely beautiful. The lake is just big enough to explore, yet small enough to put a life vest on your older kids and let them take out a canoe. Since this lake doesn’t allow power boats, it especially adds to it being a perfect lake for swimming. There is tons of open space for that game of kickball, an outdoor movie, or just to throw the frisbee around with your dog. The bathrooms are clean, with showers and flush toilets (a must for this high maintenance camper). There is even a golf course and cafe to add to the list of why I love this place. Did I mention the most amazing sunsets too?

I could rave on and on about this amazing campground, but I think I’d better get on booking our campsite for this summer. Happy adventures!

To Read more about my camping adventures, check out my post about Yellowstone.